A woman who assaulted a child has been sentenced to probation.

Katie Cassandra Blaymire, aged 33, of Barrule Road, Willaston, pleaded guilty to common assault on a boy under 14 years and was put on probation for 12 months.

Prosecutor Roger Kane told the court that the incident took place on March 28.

She shouted and swore at the boy and grabbed him by the back of the neck with her nails digging into him.

Another child who witnessed the incident said they saw the woman grab the boy by the collar and throw him.

The incident was reported after the victim told a teacher.

When interviewed by police, the woman made partial admissions but denied the offence.

She said she needed help in dealing with anger management.

In court, the woman entered a basis of plea, which was accepted by the prosecution, in which she said she had pulled the child by his arm but did not throw him.

She admitted she had gripped the back of his neck and that her grip had been harder than she had thought.

Magistrates chair Belinda Pilling described the incident as a ’sad and unfortunate offence’.

Defence advocate Louise Cooil said: ’The most serious allegation is a firm grip to the back of the neck, not a strangle.’

Blaymire appeared in court for sentencing on Tuesday. She was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.

She will pay at a rate of £10 per week, deducted from benefits.